USDA-ARS Internship Surveying for Strawberry Pathogens in California

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PW-2024-0097
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:
  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline
3/29/2024 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Salinas, California.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

This opportunity will be based at the Sam Farr Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center (SFCIPRC) in Salinas, CA. New buildings were recently constructed for this facility, which house ample state-of-the-art laboratory and office spaces. A large, new greenhouse facility is also under construction and should be available in the summer of 2024. The new buildings foster positive interactions between scientists working on a variety of projects, including plant pathology, plant breeding, virology, and entomology. 

Research Project: The Henry Lab at the SFCIPRC is focused on understanding the evolution, ecology, and management of soilborne fungal pathogens of strawberry. The research conducted at this group aims to find alternatives to fumigation for soilborne disease control and advance our fundamental understanding of fungal biology. The participant's main project would be in surveying for a new strain of strawberry-pathogenic fungus in California. This would be achieved by testing strawberry samples for the presence of specific soilborne pathogens. The participant would learn how to use traditional fungal culturing methods and molecular diagnostics assays. 

Learning Objectives: Specific skills learned would include making agar-based media, culturing plant tissues on agar-based media, DNA extractions, qPCR reactions, recombinase polymerase amplification, and gel electrophoresis. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Peter Henry (Peter.Henry@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 2 months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org  and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a high school diploma/GED, be pursuing an undergraduate postsecondary degree, and have interest in one of the relevant fields.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
Affirmation

I affirm that:

I am a US Citizen, OR
I am a non-US Citizen currently living in the United States

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